Rams Rookie Forecast 2026
Solid Starter
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama – Round 1 
While the Rams received a lot of media criticism for taking Simpson in the first round, I think it was a wise decision, and I had them taking Simpson regularly in my mock draft until the final weeks before the draft. Matthew Stafford is aging, has dealt with a lot of injuries, and could retire at any time. Even if Stafford continues to play for a couple of seasons, Los Angeles made a smart long-term move in taking Simpson so they can develop him over time and let him learn behind Stafford. This approach worked wonders for Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love, and I think it could prove to be a great career path for Simpson.
For the NFL, Simpson is a dangerous passer capable of ripping apart a defense with his arm talent. The most important trait for any pro quarterback is accuracy, and Simpson has phenomenal accuracy. His ball placement is superb as he routinely throws perfect passes into tight windows. With natural loft and timing, Simpson fits his passes into tight windows and beats good coverage by being supremely accurate. Simpson leads his receivers for more yards after the catch. Along with throwing receivers open, Simpson throws passes with good loft and is able to give his wideouts a very catchable ball. In terms of arm strength, Simpson has it with a strong arm capable of making all the throws in the NFL. He does not have elite arm strength like Josh Allen, but Simpson has the arm to make the necessary throws. Simpson has good poise in the pocket and stands tall with the rush bearing down on him. He is able to make excellent throws off platform, on the run, or even flat-footed. Simpson’s accuracy is rare and elite.
Simpson’s accuracy is rare and elite. He is very precise, going to the sideline as well as the middle of the field. Simpson reads the field well, works through his progressions, has advanced field vision, and makes good decisions. Simpson had impressive ball security in his first year as a starter.
Simpson also has the ability to make plays with his legs. He can scramble to avoid the rush and throws well on the run. He keeps his eyes downfield while moving, and Simpson has surprising running ability and speed when he decides to run. His mobility will be an asset for him to pick up some first downs with his feet as a pro.
Simpson did not play as well in the final month of games, but his team did not provide much support. His receivers were among the nation’s leaders in dropped passes while the running game was awful and non-existent. Simpson was not impressive against Auburn, in the SEC Championship game rematch against Georgia, and against Indiana in the quarterfinal loss. Being one-dimensional led to some defenses ramping up the pressure on Simpson, and he was rattled against Indiana. Simpson is not a finished product, and he lacks experience. His height and weight are adequate, but less than ideal for a pro starter.
After sitting behind Brett Favre for three seasons, Rodgers led the Packers to a Super Bowl championship in his fifth season. The Rams have a talented young roster that will extend beyond Stafford’s career. Getting Simpson ready gives Los Angeles a shot to mirror the kind of success that Green Bay had. With Simpson’s accuracy, intelligence, mobility, and excellent intangibles, I think he will become at least a solid starter if not a boom pick in the NFL.
2025: Terrance Ferguson, TE
2024: Jared Verse, DE
2023: Steve Avila, C
2022: Logan Bruss, G
2021: Tutu Atwell, WR
2020: Van Jefferson, WR
2019: Greg Gaines, DT
2018: Joseph Noteboom, OT
2017: Cooper Kupp, WR
2016: Pharoh Cooper, WR
2015: Jamon Brown, G
2014: Aaron Donald, DT
2013: Stedman Baily, WR
Most Likely To Bust
Max Klare TE, Ohio State – Round 2
The Rams have invested resources into the tight end position by signing veterans like Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson and using a second-round pick in 2025 on Terrance Ferguson. However, Los Angeles added to the position again with a second-round pick on Klare. Higbee and Parkinson may not be long-term tight ends with Ferguson and Klare being the top tight ends in the future. However, Klare disappointed last year with Ohio State, and I would not be surprised if the Rams end up looking for a tight end that presents more mismatches in the passing game.
In 2024, Klare flashed at Purdue, and he produced a good season with 51 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns. However, he did not look the same at Ohio State in his final season. He was not a dynamic mismatch receiver in terms of separation skills through special speed or athleticism. Klare was also not a standout as a blocker. As a pro, he looks like he could be a functional receiver or blocker, but not dominant in either phase. I think Klare might top out as just a backup tight end and end up being a disappointment as a second-round pick.
2025: None
2024: Brennan Jackson, DE
2023: None
2022: None
2021: Bobby Brown, DT
2020: Terrell Lewis, DE
2019: Bobby Evans, G
2018: Brian Allen, C
2017: John Johnson, S
2016: Jared Goff, QB
2015: Rob Havenstein, OT
2014: Tre Mason, RB
2013: T.J. McDonald, S
Potential Boom Pick
NONEI think Ty Simpson has boom pick potential, but is more likely to be a solid starter. I don’t see boom pick potential with the day-two picks of Max Klare and Keagen Trost either. Thus, I think the 2026 draft is unlikely to yield a boom pick for Los Angeles.
2025: None
2024: Braden Fiske, DT
2023: None
2022: None
2021: None
2020: Cam Akers, RB
2019: Taylor Rapp, S
2018: Micah Kiser, LB
2017: Gerald Everett, TE
2016: Mike Thomas, WR
2015: Todd Gurley, RB
2014: Greg Robinson, OT
2013: Tavon Austin, WR
Future Depth Player
Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama – Round 7 The Rams have built a talented young defensive front, but teams always need depth for rotation. Keenan could provide that with a large, strong, run-stuffing interior defender to rotate with the starters. Los Angeles has some undersized and fast interior rushers, so Keenan could be valuable depth in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Los Angeles also has some starting defensive linemen nearing the end of their rookie contract, so I could see the Rams keeping Keenan on the roster as a developmental backup in case they are unable to re-sign all of their talented young veterans like Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske.
2025: Jarquez Hunter, RB
2024: Blake Corum, RB
2023: Stetson Bennett, QB
2022: Kyren Williams, RB
2021: Robert Rochell, CB
2020: Terrell Burgess, S
2019: Darrell Henderson, RB
2018: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, LB
2017: Josh Reynolds, WR
2016: Josh Forrest, LB
2015: Sean Mannion, QB
2014: E.J. Gaines, CB
2013: Zac Stacy, RB
